Why Richie James could be an asset to the Chiefs’ receiving game

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The Chiefs’ offense has been getting most of the criticism throughout the season.

Most of the attention right now is centred around the Kansas City receivers following some costly drops in their previous encounter.

Indeed, the wide-receiving group have not been all that reliable to this point of the season.

In reality, even with their inconsistent offensive displays, this team is still a few catches away from potentially being undefeated.

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are continuously defending the wide receiver room, while Matt Nagy keeps saying what we expect from an offensive unit struggling to make big plays.

That’s clearly an issue that needs fixing, and the team knows it, but what’s the best solution?

On Monday, they targeted Justin Watson 11 times, and while he led the team with 53 yards through the air in that contest, he only caught six of those passes.

There may be another receiving option worth exploring, though, between now and the end of the regular season.

Utilizing a Dual Threat

Last week, the Chiefs activated Richie James from the injured list, though he didn’t feature against the Eagles.

In his fifth NFL season, James has often been used as a kick returner but has put up some solid numbers as a receiver.

The Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub says he wants him to be the primary punt returner, but is that department indeed a concern.

Statistics suggest not, as the Chiefs rank in the top 10 for punt return yards and kick-off return yards in 2023.

As a receiver, James’ numbers have improved every season, with 130 receiving yards in his 2018 rookie campaign with the 49ers while finishing to 569 yards in 2022 in his one season with the New York Giants.

Because of an injury, we have seen very little of him in a Chiefs uniform this year, with James registering just one reception on three targets for six yards.

One thing James has shown that the current crop of KC pass-catchers outside of maybe Travis Kelce have not is consistency.

James began his career in San Francisco with just 14 targets in 2018, making five receptions, while he only had the ball thrown to him 10 times a year later.

His targets in 2020 increased to 35, and in his one season with New York, James had a career-high 70 targets.

In each of his NFL campaigns, James’ first down totals increased from four in 2018 to 29 a season ago.

Worth a look

James’ experience and speed are valuable, but he also has some drawbacks.

Namely, he’s had difficulty holding onto the ball, losing multiple fumbles in 2021 and 2022.

He did, however, show more consistency in catching his targets with New York, with over 80% of balls thrown to him being completions.

Meanwhile, he has featured in 59 NFL games, often pulling double-duty as a returner and receiver.

He has to prove he is capable of stepping up in big moments, but his versatility could be valuable.

James has 1,095 return yards on 48 kick-offs and 571 punt return yards on 81 attempts.

Providing the Chiefs’ offense with instant field position would take the pressure off Mahomes, who seems to go to the air often.

KC have not scored any second half points in their previous three games so even getting into field goal range with a solid return and a few runs would be beneficial.

Two of the three KC losses this season were by a single score.

While James may be a gamble, it wouldn’t hurt for their offense to try him out.